Author
Topic: Hinge slots (Read 712 times)

I was getting ready to do the hinge slotting on a 3/16” stab and elevator and thought that rather than digging out my old v-notcher and hook knife I would try my oscillating saw.

I used a scrap ply spacer to centre the blade on the surfaces and plunged the tool. It took less than a second and I had a perfect slot and hinge fit.

The tool I used is a Ridgid cordless with a Dremel wood cutting saw blade. There are many brands of tool both cordless and corded that would work the same.

To taylor the width to one’s needs would simply involve grinding or sanding a blade to the appropriate width. An additional plus is that these blades have depth measurements printed on them for plunging.

If a thicker cut is needed one could add another spacer and make a second cut.

If this method has been previously posted I apologize as I was unable to find it.

I was getting ready to do the hinge slotting on a 3/16” stab and elevator and thought that rather than digging out my old v-notcher and hook knife I would try my oscillating saw.

I used a scrap ply spacer to centre the blade on the surfaces and plunged the tool. It took less than a second and I had a perfect slot and hinge fit.

The tool I used is a Ridgid cordless with a Dremel wood cutting saw blade. There are many brands of tool both cordless and corded that would work the same.

To taylor the width to one’s needs would simply involve grinding or sanding a blade to the appropriate width. An additional plus is that these blades have depth measurements printed on them for plunging.

If a thicker cut is needed one could add another spacer and make a second cut.

If this method has been previously posted I apologize as I was unable to find it.

Great idea. I didn't click on this topic for awhile because I thought I knew how to make hinge slots. You have a better way. Thanks.

My brother, Tom, clued me into this method. He even sent me an oscillating Dremel tool. I cut some beautiful slots with it that fit the hinges perfectly. A couple of days later I was going to glue them in, but the hinges were a very (too) snug fit. I'm guessing that the tool "mushed" some of the balsa around the slot, which later relaxed. It was easy to open up the hinge slot with a fingernail emory to perfectly fit the hinge, so I still like the method. I don't know if this is typical with using an oscillating cutter, but it's something to be aware of.